West Swan Lake Cabin

Overview West Swan Lake Cabin is in a very remote area on the Kenai Peninsula of south-central Alaska. Swan Lake is just steps away from the cabin, with great fishing and boating opportunities.

There is no trail access to this cabin. Cross country travel in this area is very difficult. This cabin is reachable only by float plane during the ice free seasons, and can be reached by snowmobile, hiking or skiing when the lake is frozen and travel is safe. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation Visitors enjoy boating and fishing for rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden and sockeye salmon in Swan Lake. A rowboat with oars is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish or hunt in the state; click here for Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations.

In season, visitors hunt for moose, black and brown bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats, caribou and wolves in the surrounding forest. Facilities The log cabin has bunk space for six and a maximum occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches and a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and handsaw are available. An outhouse is also provided.

There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring water, food, sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove and cooking gear. Water taken from the lakes and streams should be treated or boiled before consumption. All garbage and food must be packed out. Natural Features The cabin is located north of Sterling Highway on the northwest corner of Swan Lake. It is set in an open grove of cottonwood trees, with views of nearby mountains. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.

For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics , please contact the Seward Ranger District.

Access is via floatplane (30 minutes from Moose Pass, 15 minutes from Cooper Landing). For winter travel, the cabin is 2 miles northwest of the Resurrection Pass Trail alongside Swan Lake. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land). Please contact the Seward Ranger District office for information prior to making reservations during these periods.

Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. For more current travel conditions call the district office. The trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30, and is open to over-snow motorized vehicles from Dec. 1 to April 30 every other winter season, beginning with the winter of 2007-2008. It is closed to motorized vehicles every other winter season beginning with the 2008-2009 winter season.